DRAFT
Sunland Division 17 Owners Association
May 13, 2026, 2:30 p.m.
The Gathering Place, 135 Fairway Drive
Call to Order, Verification of Quorum
President Susan Hamman called the meeting to order at 2:30 p.m. A quorum was confirmed with four board members present (Susan Hamman, Vice President Mark Anderson, Secretary Lawrence Charters, and Treasurer Betty Gwaltney). The Member-at-Large position was vacated by resignation.
Approval of Agenda
Mark moved, and Betty seconded approval of the agenda; the agenda was approved.
Review and Approval of April Meeting Minutes
Mark moved, and Betty seconded approval of the April meeting minutes; the minutes were approved.
Old Business
Member-at-Large Replacement – Tom Steffen – Board Approval
Susan recommended the Board appoint Tom Steffen to fill the vacant member-at-large Board position. Betty moved, and Mark seconded the appointment, and Tom was unanimously approved as Member-at-Large. Tom immediately assumed the position.
Blakely Roof Sag
A routine inspection by the Association of a unit on Blakely discovered an apparent roof sag. External Maintenance arranged for an engineer to examine the roof. The Association contacted its insurance provider, and they also sent an engineer to inspect the roof. Results of the inspection are expected soon.
New Business
Annual Meeting and Election Date Determination – October 14, 2026
Susan requested that the Board formally set October 14, 2026, as the date of the annual Division 17 Member Meeting. Lawrence moved, and Betty seconded the motion, which was approved.
Officer Reports
President Update – Susan Hamman
No additional comments.
Vice President – Mark Anderson
No additional comments.
Secretary Update – Lawrence Charters
Due to ongoing political turmoil, attacks on the website have increased, with 11,000 attacks reported in four hours on May 12. The situation is being monitored.
Treasurer Update – Betty Gwaltney
Monthly Expense Report:
April 2026 Operating expenses: $35,723, YTD $ 118866, OVER budget $ 9,152
Interest income: YTD: $ 13,752
Total Funds on hand April 30, 2026:
Operating Accounts: $ 100,975
Reserve Accounts: $1,146,481 (85% in CDs)
TOTAL: $1,567,172
Insurance for water intrusion on Blakely, and insurance is working on the claim.
Financial audit – Final Report received
To the Board of Directors of Sunland Division 17 Owners Association:
Opinion We have audited the accompanying financial statements of Sunland Division 17 Owners Association, which comprise the balance sheet as of December 31, 2025, and the related statements of revenues, expenses, and changes in fund balances and cash flows for the year then ended, and the related notes to the financial statements.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Sunland Division 17 Owners Association as of December 31, 2025, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Reserve Study – On-site inspection completed on May 2, report pending.
CD Management
Sound Community Bank CD 24-month at 4.28% #4375, Matures 05/16/2026 – will renew at 3.30% for 12 months
Kitsap Bank CD #3230 15 months at 4.1%, Matures 05/19/2026 – Will renew at 3.44% for 9 months
Member-at-Large – Tom Steffen
No additional comments
Committee Reports
Architectural Control – Rob Crombie
No additional comments
Insurance – Susan Hamman
Division 17 insurance policy renewed, with a 13% increase over last year. Restoration of flood damage on Blakely is in progress; the restorer is working on the flooring before addressing other issues.
Roof sag: inspectors are examining the cause of the roof sag and making recommendations for addressing the problem.
Developed Landscape – Tom Steffen
Irrigation—
The process of reactivating our extensive irrigation systems is complete, with the exception of one location on Cascadia Loop (no power at the control box). This process takes several weeks to activate, repair, and replace, as well as adjust spray patterns. Sanford Irrigation has already started to address issues that go beyond what our Landscaping Contractor is under contract to remedy. In keeping with the Sunland Water District’s ongoing invitation to conserve water, we will monitor irrigation water usage. Owners should continue to report irrigation issues by submitting a maintenance request form via the Landscaping portal available on Div 17’s website.
Bushes and Trees—
Our landscaping crew and a few volunteers continue to care for our bushes and trees. We will continue to thin out undesirable bushes (at the owner’s request) and remove dead ones. As is our practice, not all dead plants will be replaced, since some locations are overcrowded with plants. Owners should continue to report landscaping issues by submitting a maintenance request form via the Landscaping portal available on Div 17’s website.
If You Prune—
Small amounts of clippings can be placed in containers (not plastic bags) and put at the driveway next to the street on Wednesdays (Thursday at Mt Baker) for our landscaping crew to pick up (hopefully) by the weekend. Never put out food scraps, trash, or piles of dirt.
Lawn fertilization treatment—
The spring fertilization process for our lawns is nearly complete. Mt Baker, the final section, will be done next week. A slow-release fertilizer with 6% iron is being applied.
Idea to Convert Some Lawns—
An owner has submitted an idea that might address brown lawns and reduce water usage. Because of thin topsoil, thatch, and weeds, sections of lawn throughout our HOA turn brown during the hot and sunny days of summer. An idea to ponder and research is to gradually convert targeted sections of lawn to planting areas with drought-tolerant shrubs. The owner offering this idea suggested the area between 31 and 41 Mt. Baker be discussed as a possible area. Might this be of interest to the Board to research?
Lawns Around Driving Range—
I am hearing comments about the unsightly look of the lawns around the driving range that are mowed by the golf course staff. Whenever mowed, clumps of dead grass cover the entire lawns and are not picked up between mowings; this has become a permanent feature. In the past, we have asked the golf course management to address this situation. Can we ask again?
French Drain Project—
A considerable amount of time has been spent looking into the drainage problem next to the driveway at 21 Mt Baker. The consensus is to start small with a French drain next to the driveway, hand-dug by volunteers. A reception device will be purchased and installed. If this doesn’t solve the issue, the next step would be to hire someone to trench an area to drain the water to the west.
There was a discussion of tree branches and bushes that need to be removed before External Maintenance can do concrete repair.
Exterior Maintenance – Mark Anderson, Acting Chair
Selected homes are being prepared for pressure washing prior to painting.
Natural Habitat – Sarah Miller
No report. The natural area has been mowed. Eagles and seagulls are happy feasting on tasty morsels uncovered by the mowing.
Welcome Committee – Sandy Reed
Visited new residents. Will be adding invitations for golf for new residents.
Communications and Outreach – Kathy Gross
Lawrence thanked Kathy Gross for filling in for him as webmaster during his recent absences.
Owner Comment Period
One owner complimented the Board and members on the way the neighbors and board solve problems, communicate, and are cordial.
There were comments on the need to remove moss from sidewalks and various other seams and cracks, and the need for possible power washing of sidewalks.
There were observations on insurance rate increases throughout US. There were additional comments on the idea of alternatives to lawns for landscaping.
Executive Session
The Board entered executive session at 3:24 p.m.
Adjournment
The Board adjourned the executive session at 4 p.m. No actions were taken or decisions made in executive session.
Susan reopened the regular meeting, and the meeting was adjourned at 4 p.m.